Guide to Giving 2013

It’s that time of year when people in need could use our help the most. In the true spirit of the holiday season, we’ve created a Guide to Giving to help you decide how to support those in need. Narrowing down who to help can be daunting, especially when you need to be careful not to support an organization that doesn’t align with your personal beliefs. For decades, everyone could conveniently ease their conscious during the holidays by dropping spare change into the Salvation Army buckets. But in recent years, the organization has made some waves by “implying homosexuals should be put to death”. If you’re like us and that doesn’t jive with you, you need a better alternative to helping the needy.
The easiest way to help a good cause is attending a benefit. It has all the fun of a night on the town with the added bonus of generosity. If you’re going out anyway, why not stop by one of these great events to show your support? We picked four very different events that support worthy local causes, and added some other donation options for you as well.

Tonight! Glitz and Glitter Holiday Party Pamper yourself and celebrate the holidays at the Glitz and Glitter Holiday Party at the newly opened Bobby Hendrix in the Southside. Tonight from 6-10pm enjoy cocktails and treats while you explore the hottest holiday looks from Elliven Spa and “Flash” Boudoir Photography Studio and Lingerie Boutique. Pittsburgh Global Connection and Bobby Hendrix will be ‘adopting’ two local families in need. They ask that you bring one of the following: A new, unwrapped toy for a male or female child under 10 years, a Giant Eagle gift card for $15 or more, or a cash donation for $15 or more if you don’t have time to shop.

Saturday, Dec 21st: The Irony City Holiday Reunion Spectacular You can help those in need AND laugh your ass off! Join Irony City Improv for a unique night of improvisational laughs. Not only will a very worthy organization benefit, but the entertainment for the evening will have no idea they’ll be performing for you. After receiving mysterious invitations, Irony City members new and old will show up to a holiday dinner, surely surprised to find each other…and an audience! In addition to the hilarity that shall ensue, proceeds will benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Plus, every dollar will be matched by The Pittsburgh Foundation!

Saturday, Jan 11th: Brew N Chew The folks at GoodTaste! Pittsburgh are throwing a beer festival not to be missed. Combining three of our favorite things, brews, bites, and games, Brew N Chew promises to be a one of a kind expereince. Part of the proceeds benefits the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Give Kids The World.

For those of you just too busy with the holiday hustle to check out one of these events, we have three other options to help others.

GLCC Winter Gear Drive If you really want to stick it to Salvation Army for their homophobia, support GLCC, Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ Community Center. They are in desperate need of blankets, sleeping bags, and coats to help homeless LGBTQ people in our community. All the details can be found on their website.

They Stole Our Stuff, But Not Our Spirit! Our friends at Bricolage had a run in with the Grinch this year. During one of their performances the theater was robbed. They’re collecting donations to make ends meet during this time of need. You can donate to the cause online.

Community Human ServicesCHS is a secular non-profit that seeks to enhance people’s lives and strengthen communities by delivering comprehensive services that maximize the health and well-being of those it serves in South Oakland and the greater Pittsburgh area. In addition to their Homeless Assistance, Mental Health Residential Programs, and the Oakland Community Food Bank, they host a Holiday Gift Project. Most of the events for this year have passed, but you can still send in donations to help ensure those less fortunate get at least one present this year. You can also donate online.

If you’re still looking for the right cause to support, we found this neat database of charities that lists all of their vital details so you can make educated donations. Tis’ the season folks!